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E3 2010: Wii Predictions

This year's E3 promises to be a big one for the Wii: although the 3DS has taken most of the limelight in recent months, Nintendo will be keen to spell out its plans to keep Wii on top of the home console market in the face of rejuvenated opposition.

Chief amongst those plans is the long-awaited unveiling of the new Legend of Zelda title, of which so far we know close to nothing save for a few cryptic statements in interviews and a piece of concept art. MotionPlus is essential so more intuitive swordplay is a given, but expect it to play a far greater role in how the game is controlled: the game will hinge on its use, so look for plenty of innovative uses for the add-on and keep your fingers crossed for a Christmas 2010 release.

Finger goes in here.

Another much-anticipated follow-up is Pikmin 3, announced by Miyamoto at E3 2008 but another project that's fallen silent in recent times. Although the game has no confirmed platform it's a perfect fit for Wii, and with New Play Control versions of Pikmin and Pikmin 2 already available for the machine it seems obvious to complete the trilogy on Wii.

Metroid: Other M is sure to be shown off too, and you can probably count on it looking or playing slightly differently to account for the slight delay in its Western release. Don't discount Metroid Dread as well, the oft-rumoured Samus adventure that refuses to die.

Wii Party will take centre stage for the more casual gamers, and you can probably bank on at least two high-up Nintendo executives playing it on stage and making fools of themselves. Hey, it's all part of the E3 spectacle.

We should also have word on any plans to release Xenoblade in the West, and hopefully get our first look at the upcoming Kirby adventure. There's likely to be one surprise entry for a franchise, but don't get your hopes up for a sequel to F-Zero, StarFox or Kid Icarus: it's more likely to be a new Donkey Kong title, or perhaps another Excite title on the way.

More of this please.

Accessories-wise, we'll finally know more about the Vitality Sensor including its purpose and available software. Expect to see a mixture of titles from the health and horror genres, with at least one oddball game thrown in for good measure.

There's plenty of speculation from other outlets that Nintendo will announce a Wii HD or hint at the Wii's successor: this is unlikely to be the case as the company has repeatedly stated that HD is not its priority, and with the Wii not even four years old yet Nintendo's unlikely to want to move on just yet.

Nintendo aside, expect some big hitters to come out for the machine. THQ is bringing de Blob: Underground to Wii and DS, and this should show well after the well-regarded original, alongside its new take on the WWE franchise in WWE All-Stars.

SEGA has two Sonic games to show off, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 and Sonic Colours, but don't expect to see Sonic 4 running on WiiWare as Sega will almost certainly show the Xbox 360 version only. Conduit 2 and Tournament of Legends round out Sega's known line-up, making it one of the more promising booths at the show.

Less of this, please.

Activision plans to get DJ Hero 2 out to gamers later in the year, so the company is probably more than happy to just shout about it and prevent gamers from forgetting that it is on its way. The initial line-up of producers and artists might be unveiled and E3 attendees could be treated to a short but sharp teaser trailer.

Much like the 'wheels of steel', the Tony Hawk series is due for a return for two main reasons. The first is to offer more value to the skateboard controller that was purchased in conjunction with Tony Hawk: RIDE, and the second is perhaps the more important reason; to justify the skateboard controller which the first title widely failed to do. If Buzz Monkey can take the mistakes that were made with Tony Hawk: RIDE and learn from them, then gamers might be persuaded to invest in this series. If not, Tony Hawk: SHRED could bail on the 50-50 grind and fall onto the metal rail in the most painful way imaginable and never to return.

Capcom has only unveiled Sengoku Basara 3 for Wii so far, but is bound to have one big name title up its sleeve for the console. Take your pick from any one of a number of franchises: Resident Evil, Street Fighter or even a follow-up or expansion pack for Monster Hunter 3.

It promises to be an interesting show for Wii this year, with big news expected on Zelda, Metroid, Pikmin and more. There's unlikely to be much WiiWare on display, if any, but the boxed retail titles should be enough to help the console maintain momentum.

What do you hope to see for Wii at E3 this year?

Thanks to Trevor Chan for contributing to this article.

As always, this article contains a balance of information and speculation. These predictions are made with the best of intentions, but Nintendo Life is not liable if any of them turn out to be untrue.

Hey, they may look like idiots, but WSResort is one of the best experiences I've had on the Wii. More of that. And more Wii Music. In fact, it's the things that are often cited as embarrassments which I ended up enjoying the most. I'll be more than happy to put up with flaming from the haters along the way.

Im interested in Zelda Wii, but let's face it, who isn't? But I would like to see Kirby come back again, Pikmin 3 for whatever console, and more info on the new Kingdom Hearts Re:coded, and Professor LAyton 3. Can' wait till Tuesday XD

I still think the vitality sensor could be used for auto difficulties. If it measures your heart rate then they could just do a test and see what you're comfortable at and adjust as the game plays out.@4It's those games that people think look so stupid and spazzy that makes the wii motion games fun.

As every year since the Wii was released, here I am crossing my fingers for a new F-Zero, Starfox or Pilotwings. I have been loosing faith on having a new game on current gen hardware from year to year... let us see if it's this year. I mean... F-Zero GX came out in 2003 and even if is my favourite game of all time, all generations, I have done everything in it. Everything! Please Nintendo remember your hardcore IPs that are being neglected.

Reggie just got fired, we kick of the show demonstrate the new Nintendo 3DS that has built-in coffee machine and better graphics than a Xbox 360 and PS3, then we are demonstrating the new Wii Remote, Aninmal Crossing 3DS, Stafox Wii, Zelda Wii, Pikmin Wii, Kirby Wii, a new Resident Evil game and many more.

Wii Party? Wow, that went clean under my radar, hadn't even heard of it until this article mentioned it.Looking forward to lots of stuff on that list, especially Sonic 4/Colors and Zelda. Really want to see a new F-Zero too, but it won't ruin my E3 if it's not shown.

"Metroid: Other M is sure to be shown off too, and you can probably count on it looking or playing slightly differently to account for the slight delay in its Western release. Don't discount Metroid Dread as well, the oft-rumoured Samus adventure that refuses to die."

As for the prediction this, it's mostly plausible, although I do disagree with F-zero, Kid Icarus, and Star Fox being unlikely reveals. More Excitebots and a true Donkey Kong game is a bit more unlikely IMO.

I think I am alone here when I say I hope that Zelda 2010 is a FP-whatever it would be called. Not really a shooter. I say that, because I have Halo CE and the map Land of Hyrule is a pretty awesome Zelda game in FPS. so ,I'll be happy if it is.

Obviously, Zelda is going to be HUGE!!! Metroid: Other M will be shown and I EXPECT to see Pikmin 3. There is 1 other big game nintendo is going to WOW us with. I dont think it will be a kid icarus title or another excite game. I'm thinkin probly a Star Fox!! As for wii party....not for me, but it will probly sell like Wii Fit. 3rd party titles I have my eye on: conduit 2, Grinder, and Sonic 4. Wouldn't it also be nice to get a true Resident Evil on the Wii?! (not a light gun shooter) I THINK YESS!!!! and finally...the vitality sensor....well, we'll just have to see what they show...

Actually, a Star Fox Wii reveal is not unlikely. There as strong rumours and evidences out there that indicate a possible update regarding this franchise.

Like, there is evidences that Nintendo recently renewed the domain name "starfox.com", despite the fact the URL still redirects to Nintendo's main portal.

About F-ZERO, well... really is unlikely, despite the fact of some rumours evidenced that Capcom was secretly doing it for Wii. But, E3 is always made of surprises, so let's see. (who ever tought that Golden Sun was going to be revealed in 2009?)

@warioswoods: The only thing that turned me off from Wii Music was the inability to actually compose music, particularly w/o the computer making the decisions about the pitch/tempo/etc. of the instrument that I am supposed to be playing. Not to mention a save feature for such a composition mode.

@armoredghor: Actually, some sources I've read say the vitality sensor send N data to see if we're into, or "excited" about the game we play. that way, they can see what gets us excited, & sell more to us based on knowing what we works us up.

As for me, I'm looking forward to:The Conduit 2Metroid: Other M - can't wait for preliminary reviewsZelda unnamed title - Finally, the Zelda specifically for the Wii3DS' real name, & other important info about this, such as if it will support bwc(backwards-compatibility) of DS carts, & also DSiWare, it's playing method of games(dlc onto internal flash, or carts?), & most importantly, when it comes out, is there going to be eye problems associated w/ it, much like the Virtual Boy? & other questions

Prepares to draw hate I don't really care about Pikmin, because the series never interested me at all. I am looking forward to new Zelda information, and I concur with several others that the Wii truly needs either Star Fox or F-Zero.

I was not aware that it is confirmed a new Kirby is coming. Where'd NL hear about this for sure?

I'm with WildPidgeyAppears about Pikmin. I played the first game on the Gamecube and didn't really like it. It was just not very appealing to me. Only played a few levels and couldn’t really get back into it.

Also, like I have been saying before in other E3 topics: All I need is some official info on Zelda. Anything else would be just a bonus.

No mention of Last Story, Epic Mickey, A Shadow's Tale or Earth Seeker? Or the project Retro Studios are working on? Fail. Along with Zelda those are my most anticipated titles.

Instead you mention Metroid Dread, a DS game (this is a Wii article right?) that's already been confirmed as no-show? (EDIT: Okay, fair enough, Sakamoto did basically confirm they're working on Dread, but still)

Pikmin might not be everyone's cup of tea, but this game still needs to show up. Such diversity of games is what this generation needs. It's like you open a gaming magazine and everything is freakin' FPS. I had it with that genre. But still, I don't want it to go away.

I think Nintendo might show Wii HD later this year depending of the impact the Move(TM) and Natal have on their sales numbers. Ninty might revive Nintendo World or Spaceworld to announce their new system and thus stealing the other consoles thunder.

still no word about a new kirby platform game, you know, old style kirby gameswill it still come true or will they forget about it?who knows, it was going to be GC game, but then re-announced for the wiiyet i still see nothing about it.....

With E3 I'm usually getting hyped for all the potential surprises, many of which never come.This year is much different, plenty of confirmed showcasing for things I am genuinely excited for:Motion Plus Zelda3DSConduit 2Wii Party (yes, I have a strong feeling this will be awesome)

anything else is a bonus.And the other systems are likely to have great shows, what with their motion controls taking center stage.This is definately the best E3 since 2006.

"Although the game has no confirmed platform it's a perfect fit for Wii, and with New Play Control versions of Pikmin and Pikmin 2 already available for the machine it seems obvious to complete the trilogy on Wii."

I want Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for the Wii.Seriously, this will be one of the best games ever.Why would it be for 360 and PS3 only?I don't want japanese jackasses.MvC2 wasn't released for WiiWare because of it's size, but since this will be on-disc, I don't see a reason why not to release it for the Wii.

A MH3 expansion pack? Definitely not something I can see coming, but certainly a welcome addition! No WiiHD predictions? I know that if they announce it, I will have the exact same reaction as I did with Metroid: Other M: break down and cry (well, I cried, but still remained in control).

The one thing I'ld really like to see - and have been waiting for at least 2 years - is a Player's Choice line-up for the Wii. I know a lot of games are already cheap, but as a marketing ploy alone I think it could generate sales for the holidays. Twilight Princess was a launch title and GC port, does it really need to be full price next to a new Zelda game (hopefully this holiday season)? I can't believe SMG is still full price. Elebits was 1 of my favorite early Wii games but probably nobody who's bought a Wii in the last 2 years has played it. Same for DeBlob also with a sequel coming out.

Nice to see SOME people care about Kirby. I'm really hoping to hear anything on that Kirby Adventure title that was announced back in 2005 for the Gamecube, then moved to the Wii- New pictures cam up in 2007, and then Nintendo keeps changing the release date each year. To be honest, I want more information about that Kirby game over Zelda, since I'm more of a Kirby fanatic above anything else. Even if that doesn't happen, I'll be fine with more Metroid Other M, Zelda Wii, Pikmin 3 and those other big titles. But please bring Kirby back D:

"you can probably bank on at least two high-up Nintendo executives playing it on stage and making fools of themselves. Hey, it's all part of the E3 spectacle." NO. I refuse to believe this. Of all the rumors and hype that are believable, I refuse to say this is true, even if the facts are staring me in the face.

It is ridiculous that we don't have a new Pilotwings or Kid Icarus after all these years. I suppose the games may have been in planning stages or development stages and things went horribly wrong, but still....do want! And a new Star Fox from Treasure, please. Makes too much sense.

I would like to see Resident Evil 5 on the Wii. I simply love playing RE4 on the Wii and Judging by the way darkside chronicles looked graphically, I think the Wii could make it work. And imagine playing that along side a buddy?

I am really looking forward to the Zelda game. We think we know that motion plus swordplay is in there but I hope they also have motion plus boomerang throwing, motion plus archery, etc. If Pikmin 3 is good, I will get it. I want to try a Pikmin game but I haven't gotten around to it. I wonder if my local gamestop has it... I should check it out. With how well the flying game on Wii Sports Resort worked, a Star Fox game with the same controls would be so awesome, I can't even think of how to describe how awesome it would be but alas, it will probably remain a dream.

"Accessories-wise, we'll finally know more about the Vitality Sensor including its purpose and available software. Expect to see a mixture of titles from the health and horror genres, with at least one oddball game thrown in for good measure."Doki Doki Made in Wario!

FZero, Kirby and Starfox Wii... I believe that will remain just wishful thinking of some fans. Although an FZero title strikes me as a perfect opportunity to show of the 3DS' capabilities to the more action oriented crowd, who might not care all that much for Animal Crossing.

Why is there no mention of Epic Mickey? It's just as @43 says: This is a title sure to make an appearance. Especially as there are already photos showing artwork of the game in or around the convention center.

If I might speculate on a more negative surprise for Wii owners concerning Epic Mickey: The title might be loosing its Wii-exclusive status and become a multiplatform title for Wii and PS3.I really hope it won't, thought!

Another one of my more wild speculations: The new model of the Wii remote might include M+ and the "Vitality Sensor" in a redesigned form (e.g. as wriststrap).

What I'm hoping for is as follows-Fusion playable within Metroid Other M.New Kirby platformer.Donkey Kong from Retro with both Diddy and Dixie.More info on Pokemon Black and White and hopefully it's effect on the 3DS.Zelda Wii to have someone as badass as Midna or have a cameo of Midna.Pikmin 3 info.New IP that isn't Wii Party.Epic Mickey with more retro goodness,INCLUDING Mickey's robot from the cartoons.